Light-weight, wreck-resistant, water-traversing vehicle

ABSTRACT

A boat, adapted for travel over water, comprising floats, and walls that comprise curved, joined-together rows of parallelaxes, thin-metal, cylindrical or corrugated cans, fastened by bonding material and optional screws between strips of mesh or pipe strap, and optionally sheathed in V-shaped strips or masses of foam plastic or other insulation, between the cans and vehicle skin means. Four such rows, extending longitudinally of the vehicle, may be end-joined at four corners by overlapping ends of the mesh or pipe strap in each of a plurality of elongated loops, forming the framework of the upright walls. These are surmounted by a top that may be substantially flat or airfoil-shaped, comprising curved can-rows that may extend longitudinally of the vehicle, oppositely curved in opposite halves of the top. The sidewall rows are fixed at the bottom of the vehicle&#39;&#39;s sidewalls to curved deck rows that are similar to the roof rows. And to the deck of these rows (comprising a sheet of tough rubber, other plastic or plywood over the deck cans) a lower, vehicle-driving and main-float part is strongly attached along a central portion of the vehicle. This part preferably comprises upright pairs of curved, parallel-axes, fore-and-aft-arranged can rows, each pair joined at their lower ends by a straight, transversely extending row. Within this inclined, narrowly-flat-bottomed part, which provides headroom for walking along most of the boat&#39;&#39;s length, ladders and motive means for driving the rear propeller are mounted. Vertical rows of parallel-axes, shock-absorbing, buffer cans preferably extend below the main deck, forming rolllimiting, outrigger floats. The boat is preferably somewhat stabilized by balloons at its top; and if the balloons are large enough (with airfoil-shaped top and with or without small wings jutting thru the sidewalls) the vehicle may be a flying boat. The balloons are preferably in fore-and-aft-extending rows, with a gap in at least one row for a hatchway from the top.

United States Patent Moore LIGHT-WEIGHT, WRECK-RESISTANT,WATER-TRAVERSXNG VEHICLE Alvin Edward Moore, 916 Beach Blvd, Waveland,Miss. 39576 Filed: Oct. 13, 1972 Appl. No.: 297,453

Inventor:

US. Cl. 114/65 R, ll4/.5 F, ll4/8l, 9/6. 52/1316. 9

Int. Cl. B63!) 3/06 Field t Search 114/68, 69, .5 R, .5 F, 114/665, 65R, 81', 244/5, l19; 9/6; 52/DIG.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3/i97l 6/ i943 4/ i945 8/l923Long i i i. H4169 Moss.......e... li4/69 Olander 52/DlG. 9

Moore Primary Examiner6eorge E. A. Halvosa Assistant Examiner-Edward R.Kazenske Attorney, Agent, or FirmAlvin Edward Moore ABSTRACT plastic orother insulation, between the cans and vehicle skin means, Four suchrows extending longitudinally of the vehicle, may be end-joined at fourcomers by overlapping ends of the mesh or pipe strap in each of aplurality of elongated loops, forming the framework of the uprightwalls. These are surmounted by a top that may be substantially flat orairfoil-shaped, comprising curved can-rows that may extendlongitudinally of the vehicle, oppositely curved in opposite halves ofthe top The sidewall rows are fixed at the bottom of the vehiclessidewalls to curved deck rows that are similar to the roof rows. And tothe deck of these rows (comprising a sheet of tough rubber, otherplastic or plywood over the deck cans) a lower, vehiole-driving andmain-float part is strongly attached along a central portion of thevehicle, This part preferably comprises upright pairs of curved,parallel-axes, fore-and-aft-arranged can rows, each pair joined at theirlower ends by a straight, transversely extending row. Within thisinclined narrowly-flat-bottomed part, which provides headroom forwalking along most of the boats length, ladders and motive means fordriving the rear propeller are mounted. Vertical rows of parallel-axes,shock-absorbing, buffer cans preferably extend below the main deck,forming roll-limiting, outrigger floats. The boat is preferably somewhatstabilized by balloons at its top; and if the balloons are large enough(with airfoil-shaped top and with or without small wings jutting thruthe sidewalls) the vehicle may be a flying boat. The balloons arepreferably in fore-and-aft-extending rows, with a gap in at least onerow for a hatehway from the top.

19 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures gas/7 zty lj so 01f 3 .x' f 4 53 K 54 1LIGHT-WEIGHT, WRECK-RESISTANT, WATER-TRAVERSING VEHICLE This inventionpertains to a light-weight, strong, water-traversing vehicle, capable oflessening or eliminating damage in crashes. Either of the two exampledinventive forms may be only for water-surface travel or may be a flyingboat or the like. In some respects the present invention comprisesimprovements of the structure of the inventors prior US. Pat. No.3,596,622 of Aug. 3, I971.

This invention has, among other purposes, the following objectives: (1)a relatively lightweight but extremely strong vehicle. adapted totraverse water at least part of the time of its travel; (2) such avehicle having firm, strong, inner load-carrying structure and outerimpact-cushioning structure that protects its walls against fracture andcollapse in collisions or severe storms; (3) a water-traversing vehiclehaving walls comprising rows of cans of substantially parallel axes,flanked and braced by strips of wire mesh or pipe strap; (4) boatstructure comprising such rows of corrugated, sealed, light-weight,tubular receptacles containing gaseous, strong, light-weight, materialunder pressure above that of the atmosphere; and (5) a boat havingrolHirniting outrigger floats having in its top part balloons that alsoaid in stabilizing it against rolls and pitching.

Other objects and the specific structure of the invention will becomeapparent from the following specification, and from the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view, partly broken away, of one of the rows ofparallel-axes cans, used as construction elements of the boatssidewalls, top deck and bumper means;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of one of the construction-elementcan-rows from a plane containing the axis of one of the cans, comprisingcans and apertured can-holding strips;

FIG. 3 is a detail plan (or side-elevational) view, partly broken away,illustrating an assembly of two of the rows at a corner of the boat;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a common type of used can, with its aperturessealed over;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary plan view of an optional type of new or usedcan, also illustrating an optional type of aperturcd strip for holdingthe cans in a strong row,

FIG. 6 is a plan view of one form of the completed vehicle, comprisingrows of can, partly broken away in its forward and rear portions (alonga horizontal plane above the buffers) to illustrate forward wall cans incross section, a steering wheel and pilot's seat in plan view, and rearmain-float cans, and partly broken away in a middle portion along ahorizontal plane to indicate cans of the deck (or top) incross-sectional view;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view from the vertical plane 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view from the vertical plane comparable to thatindicated at 88 of FIG. 6, showing an alternative form of the boat body;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view from a horizontal planecomparable to that indicated at 9-9 in FIG. 8, on a scale enlarged fromthat of FIG. 8, illustrating corner structure of the invention form ofFIG. 8, comprising curved front-end rows of cans and upright sidewallcan-rows;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view from a horizontal planecontaining the axes of end-joined frontend (or rear-end-wall) cans, on ascale enlarged from that of FIG. 9',

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view on a reduced scale, indicating anoptional airfoil shape of the top of the boat cabin of FIG. 7 or FIG. 8;and

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary plan view of a row of parallei-axes cans thatis straight.

Each of the forms of the invention shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 comprisesjuxtaposed rows of parallel-axes cans which may be of the type shown inFIGS. 1 to 4 or the kind illustrated in FIG. 5, these cans beingoptionally new or used, and securely and bracingly fastened togetherbetween parallel strips of strong, apertured material of metal (oroptionally of fabric-reinforced plastic). The can shown in FIGS. 2 and 4may be of the currently common, liquid-containing or coffee-containingtype for example, a beer can, or the corrugated type of usedtomato-juice or fruit-juice can shown at l in FIG. 4. This can has beenopened as indicated at 2 and 3 and then rescaled by a piece of adhesivetape 4 (or 5). The adhesive tape may be mastic tape, or of fiberglassand adhesive, or of aluminum and adhesive. The sealing piece may berectangular as at 4 or triangular as at 5, and preferably is hand-tornfrom a tape roll that is perforated to permit easy removal of eachpiece. Preferably it is in the form of a right, isosceles triangle(having two sides equal), which is repetitively indicated on the roll oftape by a continuous series of punctures, and involves no loss ofmaterial in removing the pieces. Optionally, the pieces 4 and 5 may besheathed over with epoxy or other strong glue for example: liquid epoxycement poured in a layer over the end closures of the cans, or bits ofepoxy putty placed over pieces 4 and S by a putty knife.

The new or used can of FIG. 5 is of the common paint-can type, andoptionally may be a used paint can. It comprises a flanged snap-lid 6,which is sealingly forced down into tight contact with the bottom of thegroove 7 and with the downwardly and inwardly extending annular flangethat is integral with this bottom and is covered by the lid in FIG. 5.

The cans may be assembled in straight rows or, as illustrated in FIGS. 1and 3, in curved rows. They may be placed in fixtures or forms havinglow, straight or curved side walls, and while in the fixture one of thestrips of apertured material stretched over them, and while thusstretched epoxy-glued (or soldered, or brazed), as at 8, to the can endclosures. In the assembly of FIGS. 1 and 3 the apertured strip 9,optionally of metal-wire mesh or nylon or other strong plastic network,covers the entire surface of the can-end closures. When, as ispreferable, the strip is of metal-wire mesh (for instance, of hardwarecloth) this mesh is stamped or otherwise forced and cut into the formindicated in FIG. 2, having approximately parallel flanges 10; and then,with or without use of the above-described fixture, the flanged strip issnugly placed over the can ends and bonded in place. After the strip isthus bonded in can-bracing position the incomplete can row is invertedand the second strip 12 is similarly bonded to the can ends 14.Optionally, the strips 9 and 12 may be narrower than the diameter of thecans; and also optionally, as indicated in FIG. 5 at 14, the strips maybe of apertured, solid, strength-providing material for example ofcommercially obtainable steel pipe strap.

Most commercially obtainable pipe strap is slightly bowed at its edges.This curve may be that of the curvature of the can row; but when thisrow curvature is on a smaller radius than that of the pipe strap itcontacts the can ends at dissimilar end areas. Epoxy putty or otherbonding material is placed thru the pipe-strap apertures that are overthe can ends, thus strongly fastening the cans together and within theparallel pair of row-bracing strips. If desired, sheet-metal screws(with or without washers) may first be screwed thru the mesh or pipestrap, forcing the apertured strips tightly against the can ends andthen epoxy or other bonding material is sealingly placed over the screwheads. Such a screw-and-bonding-material assembly is indicated at 16 inFIGS. 1 and 3. Optionally, the apertured strip 14 (or the alternativesolid-material strip 17 of FIG. 12) may be placed across the middleportion of the can and there bonded and sealed in place by the screwsand bonding material 16; and optionally the strip 14 may be wider thanit is exampled in FIG. 5.

In FIG. 12, the pair of optional can-holding strips 17 may be of sheetmetal (for example, of aluminum) or of adhesive tape (for example,comprising fiberglass or aluminum, coated with adhesive). These stripsare on opposite can ends of the row; When they are of adhesive tape andthe cans are of the used type the tape optionally may also be utilizedto cover the holes in the ends of the cans. In any event, either theadhesive tape or the sheet-metal strip preferably is strongly bonded byepoxy putty or other strong glue between portions of the strips and canends; and if desired extra strength of the attachment may be obtained bydrilling small holes thru each strip and adjacent can ends, insertingsheet-metal screws 18 tightly in the drilled holes (these screws beingof larger diameter than the holes) and, preferably, sealing over thescrew heads and adjacent strip portions with epoxy putty or otherbonding material. The type of parallel-axes can-row indicated in FIG. 12optionally may be straight as shown, or curved as in FIG. I.

The above-described rows of cans may be assembled in vehicular-bodycorners as indicated in FIGS. 3, 6, and 8. As indicated in FIGS. 1 and3, two extended end portions 19 of an adjacent pair of the aperturedstrips (from which portions of the lateral flanges I have been cut away)are slightly forced apart and straddled over the end row-terminating can20 and over an end portion of the mesh 9' of the row 22; and then theend 24 of the portion 19 is hammered or otherwise forced downward into aflange that engages the sidewall of the can 20. The flange 26 at the endof row 22 has been similarly formed before the above-described assembly.

Assembly of the vehicle of FIGS. 6 and 7 preferably comprises thefollowing steps:

I. The four outer deck rows of cans (the lowest ones of the rows 28, 29,30 and 31) are connected at four corners as illustrated in FIG. 3. Ateach corner, bolts are threaded thru the contiguous plies of mesh (orpipe strap), and their nuts and adjacent mesh portions are covered withepoxy putty (or solder). This step involves inversion of the connectedfour rows, for bolting and gluing or otherwise bonding both the tops andbottoms of the overlapped end pieces of the apertured strips at thecorners. 2. While the four rows are on the plant floor (or up on a tableor bench), the interior deck rows are successively assembled, eachextending longitudinally nearly the full distance between the rows 29and 31. Because of the slight outward bowing (cabin-strengtheningoutward arches) of these rows there are gaps of varying distancesbetween cans of the inner rows 32 and those of 29 and/or 31, but each ofthese gaps is bridged over by end portions 19 that are relatively longerthan those illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, these portions being straddledover and bolted and bonded to the top and bottom apertured strips 9'.Preferably, before this bolting and bonding the top strip 9 istemporarily bent upward, and into each gap short, vertically-arrangedtubular elements (small-diameter pieces of bamboo or plastic pipe of thewater conveying type) are placed and epoxy-bonded to gether. Optionally,the gap related to one of the rows 32 is adjacent to the row 29, and inassembly of the next row 32 its forward can is in contact with a can of29 and the gap is then between a can of 31 and the rearmost can of 32.In joining the side flanges 10 of the rows 28 and 32 together, curvedshort pieces of wire are threaded thru adjacent apertures of thejuxtaposed pieces of mesh, and the upper ends of the wires are twistedtogether, bent, and covered with bonding material, thus making a strongjoint between row sides. The rows 32 are successively assembled inwardfrom a row 28 on each side of the deck, and at its middle there is alarge gap (later to be filled by the liner 33) between adjacent,oppositely curved rows.

3. The eight deck-level can rows 34 of the shock absorbing means areassembled, joined at rounded corners, and twist-wired and bonded attheir inner sides to the rows 28 in the manner of step (2). Each of thecans of 34 (as well as the other buffer cans) preferably containsshock-absorbing insulation 35 optionally foam plastic, as indicated at35', or fibers or particles of tiberglass, shredded foam plastic,shredded bark or the like, coated and adhesively bound together (forexample: by dipping the fibers into liquid-state rubber cement of thePliobond or silicone-rubber type before placing them into the cans; orby pouring liquid-state rubber or epoxy cement over the fibers while inthe cans and then draining off most of the poured liquid).

4. Over the whole of the rows 28 to 34 a sheet of wire mesh is stretchedand epoxy-bonded and (optionally sheet-metal-screwed) to the can endsand pieces 9 (or 14 or 17) of can-reinforcing strips. This wire-meshsheet has a curved hole cut out of its middle portion, conforming to thelarge gap referred to in step (2).

S. The resultant incomplete deck is turned over; and another sheet ofwire mesh (having a curved hole for the liner 33) is fastened in themanner of step (4) to other ends of the cans 28 and 32 and to adjacentstrips 9 (or 14 or 17).

6. The liner 33 (of curvingly bent and epoxy-joined sheets ofmesh-reinforced plastic or waterproofed plywood) is fitted into thelarge gap referred to in step (2), and the liner-contacting edges of thewire-mesh sheets of steps (4) and (5) (preferably slightly bent into lowflanges) are epoxy-bonded to the liner; and simultaneously the liner isepoxy-bonded to contiguous can portions.

7. The cans 43 and 44, fastened together in rows between pairs of thecan-joining strips (9, 14 or I7) are contiguously assembled in rowsaround the sides and pointed ends of the liner 33, and are fastened byepoxy and/or bolts to the wire mesh of step (5). These rows are exampledin FIG. 6 as straight in their midship portions, but optionally they maybe here bowed outward, in the manner of the rows 28 and 3B. The cans 43and 44 may be assembled in six hours, having junctions fastened togetherin the manner of PK]. 3 two rows at each pointed end of the liner 33 andone juxtaposed to each of its elongated sides. But currently only tworows in each tier are preferred, each row having curved ends that fitagainst curved sides of the liners pointed ends, these two rows beingfastened together in a commonlevel tier of cans, in the manner of FIG.3, at the forward and rearward portions of these pointed ends. When, asis preferred and exampled in FIG. 7, the main float curvingly narrowsfrom its deck-attachment level down to its bottom its sidewall curvaturenecessitates slight wedge-shaped spaces (at 45, 46) between the outeredge portions of each contiguous pair of the canjoining strips (9, 14 or17). These spaces are filled with epoxy putty, light-weight concrete, orthe like. This step (7) comprises fastening together each contiguouspair of the strips along their contacting edge portions which arenearest to the longitudinal axis of the cabin. When these strips are ofthe narrow type of H6. 5 or FIG. 7, they are located at these contactingedge portions (as indicated in FIG. 5), and bolts and epoxy putty,solder or other bonding material there strongly fasten these edgeportions together, extending thru adjacent pairs of the carn-row strips.

8. The float-strength-providing bottom sheet 47 (of mesh-reinforcedplastic, metal or waterproofed plywood) is epoxy-bonded or otherwisefastened between (or optionally on bottom ends of) the cans 43 and 44.

9. On the outside of 43, 44 and 47 a horizontal tier of cans 48 isepoxy-putty-bonded or otherwise fastened. These cans may be in curveddeck rows of the type shown at 32 in FIG. 6; but as exampled in PM]. 7,they are in rows of end-joined cans that at least in part are curved andof the type indicated in FIGS. 9 and 10. In FIG. the wedge-shaped spacesbetween pairs of can ends that are necessitated by this curvature areshown as filled with epoxy putty or other bonding material, 49. When themidship portions of the main-float sidewalls are longitudinally straighteach adjacent pair of the different-diameter cans have the can-end capof the smaller can closely nested and bonded with epoxy or solder in theindented end cap of the larger can, and the curved ends of each can rowhave the filled wedgeshaped spaces; but when the float sidewalls arecurved from end to end these wedge-shaped portions are between each pairof the cans. In any event, there is a gap at the middle of thefloat-deck tier of cans; and this is preferably filled with short piecesof bamboo 50 and/or epoxy putty or light'weight concrete.

10. A sheet of wire mesh is epoxy-bonded or otherwise fastened on thecans 48.

l l. A sheet 51 of metallic or dense-plastic mesh (or a solid metal orreinforced-plastic sheet) is stretched in a loop around and epoxy-bondedto the can sidewalls of the rows 43 and 44. This looped sheet alsoextends around the cans 48 and has the edge portions jutting above theinverted float cans (on the fixture), these edge portions being cut toconform to the inclined, planing, lift-providing layer of concrete, $2.

12, The concrete 52, in its plastic state, is poured within theupstanding edge portions of 51 and troweled to form a smoothly inclinedhydroplaning surface, the rear portion of which is indicated at 52' inFIG. 7. This concrete preferably comprises cement (epoxy or Portlandcement) and light-weight aggregate (for example, cinders, expanded clayor shale, cedar or cypress sawdust or short fibers of fiberglass orshredded cypress or cedar bark, and is topped with one or two coats ofepoxy putty, When the sheets 51 are of mesh this concrete is alsostuccoed and smooth-troweled on them.

13. The lower, curved, buffer and outrigger-float can rows 53(comprising can-joining strips 9, 14 or 17) are bolted and bonded to therows 34; and inside their concave curvatures the straight sheets 54 ofsolid metal, reinforced plastic or wire mesh are stretched and boltedand bonded or otherwise fastened to the forward and after ends of thecurved rows.

14. Concrete 55, of the type referred to in step (I2) is poured into thegap between 54 and the cans 53, and when the sheet 54 is of mesh isstuccoed on it.

15. A strip of wire mesh is bonded to the lower ends of the cans 53 andto the concrete 55 and on this stucco 56 of an above-described type istroweled.

16. The completed lower part of the hull is turned over, the next highertier of the sidewall rows 28 to 31 is fastened on top of the lowest tierof these rows, formed in step l This fastening preferably comprisesplacing epoxy between the two superposed, contiguous apertured strips (9or I4 or 17) and bolts thru the two strips (for example, the bolts 56Aof FIG. 2, which are placed with their heads and nuts in Vshaped spacesbetween cans).

17. The next higher tier of the rows 28 to 31 is fastened in place as instep (16); and the upper bumper rows of cans 57 are assembled andtwist-wired and bonded to each other and to the bottom rows 34.

18. Strips of thick, tough, resilient rubber, 58, are stretched aroundand bonded with epoxy or silicone rubber cement to each of the sets ofinsulation filled bumper and outrigger-fioat cans; and over each ofthese sets a horizontal strip or coating 59 of such rubber or of epoxyis similarly bonded, thus completing the buffer 60 and the outriggerfloats.

19. The remainder of the sidewall can-rows 28 to 31 are successivelytwist-wired and bonded in place, up to the top of the vehicle.

20. The can rows 61 of the top 62 of the hull (reinforced by the strips(9, 14 or 17) are successively assembled in accordance with the methodof step (2). But in this case the middle gap between oppositely bowedcan rows is considerably different from that of step (2). At a centralportion of the top this gap is transversely wide but relatively short infore-and-afi direction, forming a hatchway, which may be sealably closedby the hatch 63. Forward and rearward of this hatch, adjacent ends ofrelatively short can rows are fastened (for example, by bolts and epoxyputty) to sidewalls or vertical flanges of the hatch. Then into therelatively quite narrow gaps between adjacent, short, centermost,oppositely bowed can rows (64 and 65), short, vertically extendingtubular elements, 66 (smalldiameter pieces of bamboo or plastic pipe ofthe waterconveying typ are placed and epoxy-bonded together.

21. Over the whole of the can-rows 6! and the filler tubular elements 66and the top set of the can rows 28 to 31 a sheet of wire mesh isstretched and epoxybonded (and optionally sheet-metal-screwed) to theupper can ends and pieces 9 and 9' (or 14 or 17) of canreinforcingstrips. A similar sheet, 68, is similarly fastened to under surfaces ofthe strips and cans of the can rows 61. And other similar sheets arescrewed and epoxy-putty-bonded on the outside can-sidewall surfaces (at69) and on the inside can-sidewall surfaces of the rows 28 to 31 (at71).

22. Epoxy (or Portland) cement stucco of the abovedescribed type istroweled, preferably in two coats, on the upper surfaces of the deckcan-rows 32, and optionally topped with glued-in-place decking 72 oftough rubber, other plastic or plywood.

23. Epoxy (or Portland) cement stucco of the abovedescribed type istroweled in two or more coats on the sheets of mesh that were applied instep (21 And optionally, sheets of tough, resilient rubber or otherplastic may be strongly glued to the mesh on the outside can-sidewallsurfaces at 69 and on the top 62.

24. Balloon means (exampled in FIG. 7 as comprising three rows of largeballoons, 73 and 74 and two rows of smaller, space-filling balloons,75), containing helium, is placed in the top part of the cabin andoptionally glued with epoxy or silicone-rubber cement to the undersurface of the top 62. As indicated in FIG. 6, the central balloon rowhas a gap between balloon ends 74A and 74B, providing for cabin accessthru the hatchway and via an adjacent ladder. These balloons 73, 74 and75 have tire-valve-type gas inlets, for adding helium to replace anythat is lost thru the thin balloon walls. Optionally, and as illustratedin FIG. 8, two rows of large balloons, 76 and 77, and filler balloons 78may be utilized instead of the smaller balloons 73 to 75.

35. Windows, ports and the engine exhaust pipe 79 (FIG.7) areepoxy-fastened in wall holes (openings left in wall construction thatare similar to the gap for the hatch 63 or, alternatively, holes nowdrilled and cut thru the walls).

26. A plurality of ladders, 80, for passage between the decks 47 and 72and entrance into or exit from the boat via the hatchway, are fastenedto the lining 33, the can rows 43 and 44 and the deck 72.

27. The motive means (exampled as comprising the engine 81, fuel tanks82, fuel pipe 83F, propeller 83, and steering wheel 84, steeringconnection and rudder 84R) is installed, thus completing the boat.

The form of the vehicle illustrated in FIGS. 8 to is made in the generalmanner described in the above steps (1) to (27). But there are somedifferences in these two vehicular types. In the form of FIG. 8, thecurved-axis rows 85, 86 and 87, comprising parallelaxes cans withincurved, reinforcing, apertured strips similar to 9, 9', 14 or 17, extendtransversely of the vehicle, instead of longitudinally as in FIGS. 6 and7. Each upper end of the upright rows 86 and 87 is joined to thecontiguous end of a row 85 in an overlappedmesh (oroverlapped-pipe-strap) corner, 88, (or 89) of the type shown in FIG. 3;and adjacent pairs of ends of the rows 85 and 87 are similarly joined atcomers 89. The deck optionally may comprise can-rows that are similar to32 (except that the parallel can-axes of each row of the cans and theflanges 10 are arranged along straight lines, instead of curved lines asin FIGS. 1 and 6); but as illustrated, the deck has hollow elements 90with fore-and-aft axes. These elements optionally may be tubes(preferably having corrugated walls) that extend from the front-end wallto the rear-end wall. But preferably each of the elements 90 comprises arow of cans, each adjacent pair of which are different diameters and areend-joined by epoxy putty or other bonding material, providing muchbamboo-like strength per unit of weight at the bonded joints between canends. Foam plastic in its mixed liquid state may be inserted around andbetween these cans and their upper and lower deck skins thru an apertureor apertures in 72.

FIG. 9 may be considered as a sectional view (from the fore-and-aftplane 99 of FIG. 8) of either the front-end or the rear-end body wall.Each of these walls is curved outward from the central part of the boat,as in FIG. 6, and as in FIG. 6 optionally may comprise parallel-axescans. But as exampled in FIGS. 8 and 9, each of the end-wall can-rowscomprises cans 91 and 92 of different diameters, with end caps of thesmaller cans 92 partly within end caps of the larger cans 91 andstrongly bonded to 84 with epoxy putty, solder or the like, 49. Each endcan (91') of these rows is fastened to an adjacent end can (86') of asidewall row (86 or 87) by a piece of pipe strap 93, which is loopedaround the can 91', twisted at 94, both above and below the can 86', andscrewed and epoxy-bonded to upper and lower portions of the can-wall of86'. Optionally and preferably, an extra-strong junction between the tworows of cans is made by cutting a hole at 95 in the end cap of 86',depressing a cut portion of it, and strongly bonding part of the end of91 within the recess thus formed (this bonding being done beforefastening the tie element 93 in place). Preferably, the cans 91 and 92are of equal lengths.

The bottom part of the vehicle of FIG. 8 is somewhat similar to that ofFIG. 7. Although, as exampled in FIG. 8, the two outrigger floats andbuffers may be eliminated in the form of either FIG. 7 or FIG. 8,preferably the boat of both of these figures is relatively wider in beamthan it is here illustrated and has the buffer means and outriggerfloats, these floats aiding the balloons in stabilizing the boat againstrolling and pitching motions.

Various changes may be made within the scope of the following claims.For instance, all of the cans may be imbedded in foam plastic, poured orinjected in its mix ed-liquid state thru holes in a hull skin, intospaces between the cans and the skins. Or a V-shaped mass or strip ofinsulation (96-FIG. l) for example, of foam plastic or plastic andfiberglass may be glued, adhesivetaped or otherwise fastened in theouter groove between each pair of the parallel-axes cans.

In the claims, unless otherwise qualified: the word "boat" refers to awater-surface vehicle or an aircraft adapted to takeoff or land onwater; the term "tubular member" means a single, elongated tube or pipeof any cross-sectional shape or a fastened-together row of cans of anycross-sectional shape; the word can" signifies a tube of anycross-sectional shape, having end closure elements; rod-like element"means a screw, rivet or bolt; bonding material": epoxy putty or otherglue, solder, welding or brazing material; and gaseous material": anypure gas, mixture of gases, or gas-containing insulation or plastic (forexample, gas-cell-containing foam plastic), under atmospheric oraboveatmospheric pressure.

I claim:

I. A vehicle, adapted to traverse water, comprising:

body structure including: body-sidewall can-rows,

comprising cans having sidewalls and having substantially parallellongitudinal can axes extending transversely to the length of the row;means fastening the cans of each row together, said means including atleast one elongated strip of mesh, having a flange on each side of saidcan row and flanking the sidewalls of said cans, said flanges extendingtoward a central cross-sectional plane of the cans, and means fasteningsaid strip to the cans; means fastening the said rows together insidewall framework on each side of the vehicle; forward and rearwardend-wall frameworks, comprising tubular members; means fastening saidend-wall tubular members to said sidewall rows; top framework,comprising tubular members; means fastening said top framework to upperportions of said sidewall rows; deck framework, comprising tubularmembers; means fastening said deck framework to portions of saidsidewall rows; skin means, sheathing the said sidewall rows andframeworks; and gaseous material within each of said cans and tubularmembers; and

an elongated float below said body structure, com

prising: float-wall framework having tubular members arranged inside-by-side relation; and waterproof skin means on said float-wallframework.

2. A vehicle as set forth in claim 1, in which said frameworks comprisea plurality of four-part can-row structures, each of which includes:four end-joined rows of said parallel-axes cans; a pair of aperturedstrips of row-strength-providing material on opposite can-ends of eachrow, bonding material between said strips and can-ends; and meansfastening together each adjacent pair of row ends in astrength-providing corner of the vehicle, comprising extended endportions of a said pair of the apertured strips which jut beyond cans towhich the strips are fastened and straddle a row-end can and itsassociated, overlapped end portions of an adjacent pair of aperturedstrips, and further comprising a screw, passing thru apertures of eachof said extended end portions and said associated end portions and intosaid end can, at each and-end side of said fourpart structure.

3. A vehicle as set forth in claim 2, in which said rows ofparallel-axes cans and associated apertured strips are outwardly curved,in a direction from the interior of the vehicle.

4. A vehicle as set forth in claim 1, in which: each of said tubularmembers of said deck framework is a row of parallel-axes cans; and thedeck of said vehicle further comprises a layer of solid material on saidframework.

5. A vehicle as set forth in claim 1, in which: each of said tubularmembers of said top framework is a row of parallel-axes cans; and aportion of said skin means is fixed to can ends of said top rows.

6. A vehicle as set forth in claim 1, in which: each of said tubularmembers of said deck framework is a canrow, comprising parallel-axescans having parallel axes extending across the length of said row and apair of said apertured strips fastened to each can-end of saidlast-named can-row; and the deck further comprises a layer of solidmaterial on said deck framework.

7. A vehicle as set forth in claim 1, further compris ing: a hatchmounted at an opening in said skin means and top framework; andshock-absorbing means comprising rows of buffer cans, having in each ofsaid lastnarned rows substantially parallel axes that extend across thelength of the row, foam plastic in said buffer cans, means fasteningsaid buffer cans together, and

skin means sheathing outer surfaces of said buffer cans.

8. A vehicle as set forth in claim 1, in which said canrows comprise:cans of the used type, having holes in can ends; and closure meanssealing the said holes.

9. A vehicle as set forth in claim 8, in which said closure meanscomprises adhesive tape.

10. A vehicle as set forth in claim 1, in which each tubular member ofsaid forward and rearward end-wall frameworks comprises: a plurality ofend-joined cans; and means fastening said end-joined cans together in anoutwardly curved end-wall row, comprising bonding material between canends.

11. A vehicle as set forth in claim it), in which each adjacent pair ofsaid end-joined cans are of different cross-sectional areas.

12. A vehicle as set forth in claim I, in which said sidewall andend-wall frameworks comprise a plurality of four-part can-rowstructures, each of which includes: four end-joined rows ofparallel-axes cans; at least one strip of mesh on canends of each row;bonding material between said strips and can-ends; and means fasteningtogether each adjacent pair of row ends in a strength-providing cornerportion of the vehicle, comprising: an end portion of one of said stripswhich is in contact with and fastened to an end of the adjacent,row-terminating can of its row; an end portion of the other of saidstrips at said corner portion which juts well beyond the adiacent, endcan of its row and extends over said row-terminating can and overlapssaid first-named strip-end portion; and means extending thru saidlast-named strip, fastening it to said firstnarned strip and to saidrow-terminating can.

13. A vehicle as set forth in claim 12, in which: said mesh comprisesmetal; each of said can-row structures further includes a second stripof metallic mesh, forming with said first-named strip an opposite pairof said strips, one of which is located on one can-end side of itsassociated row, and the other being located on the other canend side ofthe row; each of said strips comprises a pair of integral, bentcan-flanking flanges, terminating opposite a can at each of said cornerportions; the said strip-end portions are in substantially planarcondition, and closely overlie said row-terminating can; and said meansfastening together each adg'acent pair of row ends comprises a screw,passing thru apertures of the overlapped pair of said strip-end portionsand into the said row-terminating can at each of said corner portions.

14. A vehicle as set forth in claim 1, in which: each of the saidtubular members of said float comprises: a row of cans, having parallelaxes that extend across the length of the row; at least one elongatedstrip of rowstrength-providing material; and means fastening said stripto the said cans.

l5. A vehicle as set forth in claim 14, further comprisinglighter-than-air balloon means, connected to an upper part of said bodystructure, having a center of aerostatic lift approximately located inthe vehicles central plane, aiding in stabilizing the vehicle againstrolling motion.

16. A vehicle as set forth in claim 14, further comprising outriggerfloats, one at each side portion of the vehicle, each of said floatscomprising tubular members and float-skin means.

17. A vehicle as set forth in claim I, in which said mesh comprisesmetal, and each of said sidewall canrows further includes: a secondstrip of metallic mesh, comprising flanges that flank can sidewalls andforming with said first-named strip a pair of such strips, one of whichis located on one can-end side of said row, and the other being locatedon the other can-end side of the row; and bonding material between eachof said strips and row-arranged cans.

18. A vehicle as set forth in claim 17, in which: each of said end-walltubular members of each of said endwall frameworks is a row ofparallel-axes cans, at substantially the same level as a pair of saidbody-sidewall can-rows and has an opposite end-wall row of parallelmeshcomprises metal.

i IF t i 1F UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION AlvinEdward Moore Inventofls) It is certified that error appears in theabove-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are herebycorrected as shown below:

Column 1, line 50, "can" should read cans Column 5 line 3, "hours"should read rows Column 9, line 40,

"and-end" should read can-end Column 11, line 12, "has" should read asSigned and sealed this 15th day of October 197 (SEAL) Attest:

MCCOY M. GIBSON JR. C. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner ofPatents OHM po'wsc "(M9) USCOMM-DC GUESTS-P69

1. A vehicle, adapted to traverse water, comprising: body structureincluding: body-sidewall can-rows, comprising cans having sidewalls andhaving substantially parallel longitudinal can axes extendingtransversely to the length of the row; means fastening the cans of eachrow together, said means including at least one elongated strip of mesh,having a flange on each side of said can row and flanking the sidewallsof said cans, said flanges extending toward a central crosssectionalplane of the cans, and means fastening said strip to the cans; meansfastening the said rows together in sidewall framework on each side ofthe vehicle; forward and rearward end-wall frameworks, comprisingtubular members; means fastening said end-wall tubular members to saidsidewall rows; top framework, comprising tubular members; meansfastening said top framework to upper portions of said sidewall rows;deck framework, comprising tubular members; means fastening said deckframework to portions of said sidewall rows; skin means, sheathing thesaid sidewall rows and frameworks; and gaseous material within each ofsaid cans and tubular members; and an elongated float below said bodystructure, comprising: floatwall framework having tubular membersarranged in side-by-side relation; and waterproof skin means on saidfloat-wall framework.
 2. A vehicle as set forth in claim 1, in whichsaid frameworks comprise a plurality of four-part can-row structures,each of which includes: four end-joined rows of said parallel-axes cans;a pair of apertured strips of row-strengtH-providing material onopposite can-ends of each row, bonding material between said strips andcan-ends; and means fastening together each adjacent pair of row ends ina strength-providing corner of the vehicle, comprising extended endportions of a said pair of the apertured strips which jut beyond cans towhich the strips are fastened and straddle a row-end can and itsassociated, overlapped end portions of an adjacent pair of aperturedstrips, and further comprising a screw, passing thru apertures of eachof said extended end portions and said associated end portions and intosaid end can, at each can-end side of said four-part structure.
 3. Avehicle as set forth in claim 2, in which said rows of parallel-axescans and associated apertured strips are outwardly curved, in adirection from the interior of the vehicle.
 4. A vehicle as set forth inclaim 1, in which: each of said tubular members of said deck frameworkis a row of parallel-axes cans; and the deck of said vehicle furthercomprises a layer of solid material on said framework.
 5. A vehicle asset forth in claim 1, in which: each of said tubular members of said topframework is a row of parallel-axes cans; and a portion of said skinmeans is fixed to can ends of said top rows.
 6. A vehicle as set forthin claim 1, in which: each of said tubular members of said deckframework is a can-row, comprising parallel-axes cans having parallelaxes extending across the length of said row and a pair of saidapertured strips fastened to each can-end of said last-named can-row;and the deck further comprises a layer of solid material on said deckframework.
 7. A vehicle as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: ahatch mounted at an opening in said skin means and top framework; andshock-absorbing means comprising rows of buffer cans, having in each ofsaid last-named rows substantially parallel axes that extend across thelength of the row, foam plastic in said buffer cans, means fasteningsaid buffer cans together, and skin means sheathing outer surfaces ofsaid buffer cans.
 8. A vehicle as set forth in claim 1, in which saidcan-rows comprise: cans of the used type, having holes in can ends; andclosure means sealing the said holes.
 9. A vehicle as set forth in claim8, in which said closure means comprises adhesive tape.
 10. A vehicle asset forth in claim 1, in which each tubular member of said forward andrearward end-wall frameworks comprises: a plurality of end-joined cans;and means fastening said end-joined cans together in an outwardly curvedend-wall row, comprising bonding material between can ends.
 11. Avehicle as set forth in claim 10, in which each adjacent pair of saidend-joined cans are of different cross-sectional areas.
 12. A vehicle asset forth in claim 1, in which said sidewall and end-wall frameworkscomprise a plurality of four-part can-row structures, each of whichincludes: four end-joined rows of parallel-axes cans; at least one stripof mesh on can-ends of each row; bonding material between said stripsand can-ends; and means fastening together each adjacent pair of rowends in a strength-providing corner portion of the vehicle, comprising:an end portion of one of said strips which is in contact with andfastened to an end of the adjacent, row-terminating can of its row; anend portion of the other of said strips at said corner portion whichjuts well beyond the adjacent, end can of its row and extends over saidrow-terminating can and overlaps said first-named strip-end portion; andmeans extending thru said last-named strip, fastening it to saidfirst-named strip and to said row-terminating can.
 13. A vehicle as setforth in claim 12, in which: said mesh comprises metal; each of saidcan-row structures further includes a second strip of metallic mesh,forming with said first-named strip an opposite pair of said strips, oneof which is located on one can-end side of its associated row, and theother being located on the other can-end side of the row; each of saidstrips comprises a pair of integral, bent can-flanking flanges,terminating opposite a can at each of said corner portions; the saidstrip-end portions are in substantially planar condition, and closelyoverlie said row-terminating can; and said means fastening together eachadjacent pair of row ends comprises a screw, passing thru apertures ofthe overlapped pair of said strip-end portions and into the saidrow-terminating can at each of said corner portions.
 14. A vehicle asset forth in claim 1, in which: each of the said tubular members of saidfloat comprises: a row of cans, having parallel axes that extend acrossthe length of the row; at least one elongated strip ofrow-strength-providing material; and means fastening said strip to thesaid cans.
 15. A vehicle as set forth in claim 14, further comprisinglighter-than-air balloon means, connected to an upper part of said bodystructure, having a center of aerostatic lift approximately located inthe vehicle''s central plane, aiding in stabilizing the vehicle againstrolling motion.
 16. A vehicle as set forth in claim 14, furthercomprising outrigger floats, one at each side portion of the vehicle,each of said floats comprising tubular members and float-skin means. 17.A vehicle as set forth in claim 1, in which said mesh comprises metal,and each of said sidewall can-rows further includes: a second strip ofmetallic mesh, comprising flanges that flank can sidewalls and formingwith said first-named strip a pair of such strips, one of which islocated on one can-end side of said row, and the other being located onthe other can-end side of the row; and bonding material between each ofsaid strips and row-arranged cans.
 18. A vehicle as set forth in claim17, in which: each of said end-wall tubular members of each of saidend-wall frameworks is a row of parallel-axes cans, at substantially thesame level as a pair of said body-sidewall can-rows and has an oppositeend-wall row of parallel-axes cans; each set of four can rows atsubstantially the same level being joined at four corners; each of saidcorners comprising: extended end portions of a pair of the aperturedstrips which jut beyond the cans of a can-row, and overlap and holdbetween them a can and its can-end-engaging portions of aperturedstrips; and means fastening said extended portions to saidcan-end-engaging portions and to adjacent can ends.
 19. A vehicle as setforth in claim 18, in which said mesh comprises metal.